Greensboro, N.C. – – In a minute of pure delight and enjoyment, the Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is thrilled to announce the birth of a important pygmy hippo calf. The calf was born on May 24, 2023 to Holly (woman) and Ralph (male), a pair advised for breeding by the Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) System, marking a sizeable milestone in the GSC’s most the latest zoo growth, Revolution Ridge. This is the very first pygmy hippo born at the GSC.
Jessica Hoffman, the GSC’s VP of Animal Overall health & Welfare suggests, “When we decided on pygmy hippos as a species choice for Revolution Ridge, it was our intention to build an exhibit that would ideal assist a breeding method. With only 10 breeding pairs of pygmy hippos inside AZA establishments, we knew this would be a monumental milestone if Ralph and Holly were being profitable.” Hoffman proceeds, “We have been checking Holly’s pregnancy as a result of the period of her gestation, but with a 1st time mom, we remained cautious. We collectively launched a enormous sigh of reduction and cheered when we noticed our cute new calf choose its initial measures. Holly is proving to be a quite vigilant and caring mother, and we just can’t wait around for our GSC neighborhood to meet this newest addition!”
Pygmy hippopotamuses (Choeropsis liberiensis) are substantially smaller than their cousin, the common river hippopotamus. By comparison, widespread river hippos weigh concerning 2,900 and 4,000 lbs, while pygmy hippos weigh between 350 and 600 lbs .. At all around five months aged, pygmy hippos calves are about 10 moments their excess weight at birth. Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa and are regarded as endangered according to the Intercontinental Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Pink Listing of Threatened Species™. It is approximated less than 2,500 grownup pygmy hippos continue to be in the wild.
Revolution Ridge, the Greensboro Science Center’s major growth to-day, opened in June of 2021 to document crowds. The 12-acre, 10-show growth was made to be a breeding heart for distinctive and endangered wildlife from all in excess of the earth.
“Revolution Ridge was built with the intention of bringing consciousness to endangered species and comprehending why individuals species are so useful to our earth. Numerous of the animal exhibits have been made to guidance breeding packages and it is pretty a testament that, inside of a small far more than two yrs, the GSC is now dwelling to its to start with pygmy hippo calf. This beginning will keep on to spark better awareness about defending life’s impressive range within just the animal kingdom,” states Beth Hemphill, the GSC’s Main Operating Officer.
Mike Motsch, the GSC’s Guide Pygmy Hippo Keeper claims, “Animal treatment team and veterinary workers have worked diligently, offering awesome care working day in and working day out to established Holly up for achievements as a to start with time mom. She has acquired amazing prenatal care the earlier six months through vet tests, ultrasounds and training to make this more amount of treatment doable.” Motsch continues, “Holly is a hippo with a daring persona, even though Ralph is an simple going individual and we are fired up to see what identity comes as a result of in their offspring.”